According to Siegel’s report, Antetokounmpo approved of the Middleton-Kuzma trade, but sources suggest it was not a move he expected the team to actually make. The two-time MVP shared a close relationship with Middleton, whom many around the NBA described as “family” to Giannis. That personal connection played a significant role in his reaction.

Nine-time All-Star Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo can't be too happy with his club's current status. For a second straight season, the Bucks are facing off against the Indiana Pacers in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Milwaukee has struggled in the postseason since winning the title in 2021 against the Phoenix Suns. Antetokounmpo and Co. lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2022 playoffs, the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs and the Pacers in the first round of last year's playoffs.